Irish Para Equestrian Team makes Paralympic Games for the first time

  • 2 February 2012, 10:02

IT HAS been confirmed today (Wednesday) by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) that the Irish Para Equestrian team have secured a team place for Ireland at the Paralympic Games for the first time.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh congratulated the team on what he said was a hugely significant achievement.

“I want to thank Paralympics Ireland and the Irish Sports Council for their support and our affiliate Para Equestrian Ireland for their tireless work over a number of years to build up the para equestrian discipline in Ireland,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the roles of Avril O’Byrne and Naomi Donoghue who were the Chefs d’Equipe over the last few years, as well as team coach Donie MacNamara.

“Dara Kearney has recently been appointed as Chef d’Equipe for the team by Horse Sport Ireland and as Team Manager for London by Paralympics Ireland. Dara has been a real driving force for para equestrian in Ireland and I want to wish her and Donie well with the preparations,” he said.

Lt Colonel Gerry O’Gorman, Chairman of Para Equestrian Ireland said: “I would like to acknowledge the huge work that has gone into this great achievement. I would also like acknowledge the contribution of Para Equestrian sponsor Denis O’Brien who has been a very generous supporter of the team along with Horseware Ireland, Bluegrass Horsefeeds and TRM.”

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